"A Man Who Loses The Kings Colours Loses The Kings Friendship" | Sharpe

Sir Henry tries to make Sharpe a scapegoat and intends on ruining Sharpe's career via his connections at Horse Guards. Sharpe concludes that only by capturing an Eagle can he remain in the army and keep his promotion.
From Season 1 Episode 2 "Sharpe's Eagle": It is July 1809. During the Talavera Campaign, Sir Arthur Wellesley's army has entered Spain to confront Marshal Victor. Richard Sharpe and his small group of thirty riflemen, separated from their regiment during the retreat from Corunna, are attached to the newly arrived South Essex Regiment.
From Talavera, General Wellesley dispatches the South Essex, alongside Sharpe's riflemen and Major Michael Hogan's engineers, to blow up the bridge at Valdelacasa. Due to a combination of arrogance, poor training and incompetence, the two regiments are routed by the French, with hundreds of men killed and wounded, Lennox fatally wounded by the enemy, and the loss of the King's Colours.
Sharpe's old friend, Lieutenant Colonel William Lawford, relieves Simmerson of command and orders the South Essex back into position, where their volleys destroy the column's cohesion. Sharpe leads the Light Company and his rifles into the fray and captures a French regiment's Eagle. Returning from the battlefield, Sharpe is ambushed by Gibbons, who attempts to murder Sharpe and take the Eagle for himself, but is killed by Harper. The capture of the Eagle secures Sharpe's promotion and restores the honour of the South Essex.
Welcome to the OFFICIAL Sharpe KZbin Channel.
Follow Sharpe, a fictional British Soldier as he fights during the Napoleonic Wars!
Sharpe is a British period drama series starring Sean Bean as Richard Sharpe, and Daragh O'Malley as his second in command, Patrick Harper.
Throughout the series, Sharpe gradually gets promoted through the ranks but makes a number of dangerous enemies along the way. Eventually, his success gains him a steady promotion, and by the end of the Napoleonic Wars, he becomes Lieutenant-Colonel Sharpe!
Subscribe to the OFFICIAL Sharpe KZbin Channel here: / @sharpeofficial
#Sharpe #SharpeTVSeries #DramaSeries #RichardSharpe #SeanBean #PatrickHarper #DaraghOMalley #NapoleonicWars #SharpesEagle #KingsColours
#FrenchRegimentEagle #BritishMilitaryHistory

[@BarryAllen-oj3wm]

On sighting a new Sharpe video, I naturally clicked on it. That's my style, sir.

[@Caesar_Himself]

3 Clicks a minute in any weather

[@ThorOdinson]

@@Caesar_Himself Now that’s soldiering!

[@razor1uk610]

It's hard not to read that without a Simmerson voice within my/your head... no apply that to something a little more 'riskay'.....

[@SantomPh]

the newly gazetted Captain Barry Allen

[@MajesticDemonLord]

I crossed over to the Comments section and engaged the Users.

[@jsb1585]

What the series lacked in budget, it made up for in talent. Iconic scene.

[@fistimusmaximus6576]

I happen to like the music aswell. Pretty damn iconic.

[@Elfenastics]

It shows you dont need the biggest Budget but talented people who put theyr heart and passion into it.

[@tomvecchione3475]

@@Elfenastics exactly! Superb acting and writing here

[@mattybhoy6522]

Agree 100%. The amount of heaping sh1t today on TV is sad. They have the largest budgets. Cgi special effects etc, but my word the stories are absolutely crap the dialogue dismal and well just in general the writing pretty sh1tty

[@georgebuller1914]

@@mattybhoy6522 True! But so much nostalgia; I mean, just like the 'Adult' films of years gone by! LOL

[@andrewrobinson3310]

"Major Lennox answered with his life!" What a flash. Absolutely brilliant delivery. Great actor.

[@battlereed4708]

One of the strongest lines ever in modern acting. I have seen this scene at least 20 times and it still hits so hard.

[@elta6241]

It’s a shame he didn’t stay on as Wellington. He had the part down.

[@frankiethefrank]

@@elta6241but why didn’t he?

[@d.hammann9532]

I read that the show was shot in the Ukraine and many in the crew got severe food poisoning which included David Troughton. So he did not return.

[@MrBendylaw]

It's a real credit to Simmerson's stupidity that he could stand 10' away from Wellington and somehow not feel the malevolence, anger, and _soldiering_ boiling off the general. I imagine Wellington was drawing vicious caricatures of Simmerson with his quill to stop himself from leaping over the desk and throttling the man with his own two hands.

[@winternow2242]

he felt it, but didn't fear it, figuring that his connections would protect him.

[@aaronrowell6943]

You see a man walk into that room and Wellington knows he's lying before he even speaks a word but as the other commenter said more than likely simmerson figure that he would be safe from wrath but as it turns out he was messing with the wrong Duke

[@woodrobin]

@@aaronrowell6943 *Sir* Henry Simmerson vs. the *Duke* of Wellington. In terms of power, even with "friends at court," that's like the Fresh Prince boxing Mike Tyson . . . and we all know how well that went.

[@aaronrowell6943]

@@woodrobin Duke of Wellington:friends at court, b#*tch I have tea with the king Good morning

[@jatlarge6354]

David Troughton is masterful as The Iron Duke. The epitome of quiet menace, which I gather wasn't too far from what His Grace was like in real life. Simply brilliant!

[@DeltaEcho303]

"Major Hogan's coat buttons up tight over a number of other duties, Sir Henry." Hogan looks at the buttons on his coat. Always funny.

[@oliverschoneck7750]

And his rather large stomach

[@DisorderedArray]

@@oliverschoneck7750 it is the duty of an officer to clean his plate.

[@georgebuller1914]

@@DisorderedArray And his fellow officer's? ;-)

[@Fyrebrand18]

@@georgebuller1914 ESPECIALLY HIS FELLOW OFFICERS’ PLATES.

[@errorabortretry3694]

@@Fyrebrand18 Tis only appropriate.

[@TheNynjspider]

"Major Lennox Panicked" (Wellington pauses his writing) Brilliant acting

[@astratan2238]

*fife and drum music stops* u wot m8?

[@scaramouche853]

I liked that bit too.. literally shocked into immobility by the bullshit he’s hearing about a man he respected

[@MT-su2lq]

Also my favorite little moment of this piece

[@Roddy556]

​@scaramouche853 he's just like "wtf?"

[@jmwoods190]

@@scaramouche853 Wellesley knew well that it wasn't Lennox's style, but Simmerson's!

[@ForgottenHonor0]

"MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE, AS YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE IF YOU HAD ANY SENSE OF HONOR!"

[@padfoot1178]

YOU LOST THE COLOURS OF THE KING OF ENGLAND YOU DISGRACED US SIR, YOU SHAMED US SIR, YOU WILL ANSWER!

[@KBTW1]

@@padfoot1178 The South Essex is stood down in name. If I wipe the name I may wipe the shame. You will become a battalion of detachments; you will fetch and carry.

[@padfoot1178]

@@KBTW1 the light company put up a fight so I shall let it stand under the command of a new captain.

[@user.--.]

@@padfoot1178 To be commanded by the newly gazetted Captain Gibbons Sir?

[@KBTW1]

@@user.--. To be commanded by the newly gazetted Captain Sharpe, sir.

[@82dorrin]

Remember: In the military, they don't ask you what happened unless they already _know._

[@lucasmatiasdelaguilamacdon7798]

It’s literally your last chance. They want to see if you’ll admit to your fault. Which Sir Henry did not.

[@jacqirius]

The truth

[@HunterKiller762]

Back when I was still a Lance Corporal, I got involved with a dumb incident with an even more dumb Corporal. My Gunnery Sergeant spoke to me and asked if I knew anything, and I told him and my First Sergeant about the incident and my involvement. I still had to stand before a Major to accept my part of the blame, but both my Gunny and First Sgt spoke on my behalf. I told them all that I needed to be the example, not the exception. I think that quote and my honesty helped in mitigating my punishment. When Wellington mentions having a sense of honor, I sincerely hope he’d be proud of me for taking accountability for my mistake

[@FlaviusBelisarius-ck6uv]

@@HunterKiller762We have a word for what you displayed that day: Nobility.

[@HunterKiller762]

@@FlaviusBelisarius-ck6uv your words do me great honor.

[@shadowmagus0413]

The way Wellington stops writing and looks at Simmerson when he says he has friends at court, is just ominous.

[@0megacron]

Even before he said anything, his look alone screamed "Not ANYMORE, you don't."

[@jamesricker3997]

Simmerson was so used to being able to bully everyone around he forgot exactly who the Duke of Wellington was.

[@Dafmeister1978]

In 1800, Wellington ended his campaign against Dhoondiah Waugh's brigands at the Battle of Conaghul by leading a charge of British dragoons and sepoy cavalry against Waugh's cavalry, which outnumbered them more than three to one. A bunch of Whitehall quill-wigglers are unlikely to bother him overmuch.

[@odysseusrex5908]

@@jamesricker3997 Well, it wasn't Sir Arthur Wellelsey, as he was at this time, I believe. He didn't become Duke of Wellington until 1815.

[@blastermasterguy]

Never threaten your superior officer, especially in the middle of a war!

[@fredferd965]

It's often overlooked, but actors portraying villains have a difficult job. In this instance, the gentleman portraying Simmerson did excellent work. It's doubly hard to portray a man who is both a villain and a coward besides.

[@FatGouf]

I think it's more fun to play as villain

[@zoe-janesutherland4359]

@@FatGouf It is. Back in my days of VERY amateur dramatics, playing the "bad guy" is so much fun. You get to do things that are reprehensible, but with the bonus of knowing it's all an act and there are no legal consequences!

[@Antonnick]

@@zoe-janesutherland4359 and Simmerson keeps coming back time after time , even in the "post" series in India. Michael Cochrane is the actor?

[@HouseholdDog]

Yes he does play him well. You truly despise his character.

[@MissCaraMint]

I hate Simmerson with a passion, and that is such a testament to that actor's skill. Love to hate that guy.

[@ThatOldGrey]

"If I wipe the name, I may wipe the shame." - This line lands so perfectly well. Great writing, and what a performance.

[@stalhein62]

Still one of the most memorable scenes in the series

[@simonrook5743]

Right up there with Sharpe and the Duchess Carmoyne taking down lord Fenner!

[@markthemaniac3350]

One of the best

[@happy_camper]

Iconic!

[@astyreal]

Epic…

[@Urzaknight]

Agreed. It sums up the whole series well

[@ttt2080]

Captain Leroy's expression's behind Simmerson are brilliant.

[@user-po8ri5pq9g]

Probably hoping if Simmerson keeps running his mouth he won't catch any of the flak.

[@vishnu79]

He's trying to become one with the bookcase behind him. Notice that for a lot of the scene, he's also staring at a point on the wall about 3-5 feet above where Wellington's head would be, he only glances at Simmerson when Sir Henry starts to answer each of Wellington's questions, and looks over at Hogan when Sharpe is first mentioned. At no point does his head move, until Sir Henry threatens Wellington, and he immediately looks down at his feet, very obviously wishing that he was not there.

[@danielhaire6677]

Captain Leroy may not have been Sharpe's friend by the end, but he has a code of ethics. Simmerson's attempts to cover both his cowardice and his incompetence, especially as they got good men killed, seriously offended Leroy's sense of propriety.

[@user-po8ri5pq9g]

@@vishnu79 "I am one with the bookcase, and bookcase is with me"

[@razor1uk610]

@@user-po8ri5pq9g "Sheila!!! ...why does it have 8 pedals?" ...crap, wrong series....

[@Harmon1ca]

David Troughton plays Wellington absolutely perfectly in this scene.

[@MrKeefy]

Yes I think he did a better job than Hugh in later series. Might be in part to me Hugh will always be captain Hastings from Poirot, which is another great TV show from the 90s.

[@SudrianTales]

Like father like son, the Troughtons produce great actors

[@ClickBeetleTV]

I shall *help* you to be a hero!

[@soulboygabicci5681]

Was he any relation to Patrick Troughton(Dr Who)?

[@bigravensfan21]

@@soulboygabicci5681 His son.

[@craigmcghee4]

Legend has it sir Henry is still waiting for help from his cousin at horseguards

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

Is that what he was doing in the Indian sun?

[@Tapsomebong234]

Currently reading Sharpe's Eagle. Simmerson's cousin apparently is none other than Banastre Tarleton. Makes a lot more sense with the whole name dropping of Horse Guards.

[@harrisonmcarthur7816]

@@Tapsomebong234 Forgive my ignorance but who was he?

[@Tapsomebong234]

@@harrisonmcarthur7816 He was a British cavalry commander during the American Revolution and was notorious for taking no prisoners. Read about the Battle of the Waxhaws.

[@FerretJohn]

@@Tapsomebong234 I believe Jason Isaac's character in Mel Gibson's The Patriot was loosely based on him

[@manticorephoenix]

I can never stop loving how Wellington nearly hopped over that table over Simmerson daring to place complete blame on Lennox, a man Wellington knew very well, with his responsibilities and failures

[@sierraraiderx2]

Well sir, on first sighting the Kings Colours I naturally gave the orders to drop it and run, thats my style sir!

[@FerretJohn]

RIP Gavan O'Herlihy (29 July 1951 - 15 September 2021), Captain Leroy, a true Officer and Gentleman

[@DeltaEcho303]

Rest in Peace, sir. To me, he'll always be 'Brad' from Superman III.

[@Caesar_Himself]

@Leo Peridot At the battle of Vitoria no less. RIP.

[@FerretJohn]

@Leo Peridot sadly he's best known by one of his least roles, the missing elder son Chuck Cunningham in the early days of Happy Days

[@brigadier-tc8565]

Oh no... I didn't know

[@evanjohnson1299]

I know him from Willow

[@82dorrin]

I'd pay to watch a series that's just Wellesley sitting behind a desk berating cowards for 40 minutes per episode.

[@lukebrady3728]

I'm totally with you there, my friend. Greetings from Melbourne, Australia.

[@Luke_Danger]

"Major Hogan is merely an engineer, sir." That is the moment that Wellington knew full well that Simmerson had no idea what he was doing even if the rest of the debacle didn't - if he really was a competent mole for Wellington's enemies in Parliament, he would've ferreted out who Wellington's agents and trusted operatives were first and realized there was a reason that Hogan and Sharpe were specifically attached to the South Essex for that mission. Instead, he outs himself as the incompetent fop he was... far more incompetent than Wellington had expected given Hogan and Sharpe were originally just to make sure the mission succeeded.

[@MaizeAndBlueWahoo]

Very well put. A ton of interesting undercurrent in this scene. Personally I also think Wellesley - not Wellington, yet :) - also would've known Simmerson was a lying weasel even without Hogan's report. Simmerson claims the entire South Essex crossed the bridge, and then supposedly handed command of the advance to a lieutenant over the major (Lennox) and captain (Leroy) that he had at his disposal? An obvious lie, which even if true would've outed Simmerson as an incompetent nepotist, since everyone knows Gibbons is related to Simmerson. Following which, Simmerson even asks for promotion for Gibbons, for supposedly leading a failed advance in which the officers "panicked" and "dithered." Not to mention that Wellesley knows Lennox personally and would never be expected to believe that Lennox panicked. Simmerson's entire fable couldn't have been more transparent even if Hogan were never there.

[@darkclawgreatonenas]

@@MaizeAndBlueWahoo the entire South Essex was a joke, Simmerson bought the entire thing to look like a big man back home, that included his commission into the British Army as an officer in the first place, surrounding himself neophytes and sycophants, all of them nearly as rich as he himself of course. in Simmerson's own words, all of his officers were 'Gentlemen'...Sharpe, a man who worked his way through the ranks and had not a shilling to his name, was just the sort of individual that Simmerson felt should never be an officer and should more likely be kept under the heel of his betters

[@couragew6260]

So, I’m not too educated on the British Military hierarchy in this context, but I have a general idea that any military engineer in any military is not to be underestimated considering how important they are in manufacturing a lot of gear for their military. If someone wants to correct or add something I missed, then by all means do it because I could use the education.

[@ers5255]

@@couragew6260 it's not only department - guy was looking down on engineers, but also rank - Major is second after Lt. Colonel. It's in senior officers ranks.

[@MaizeAndBlueWahoo]

@@couragew6260 Well, you're starting off ahead of Simmerson :) Military engineers are indeed usually held in high regard. They don't manufacture gear (usually) - what they do is build and destroy. Think Seabees. In the early 19th century, Sharpe's time, they had to dig and build fortifications; they were miners and sappers; they built siege machinery; they built bridges and cleared obstacles; they laid explosives....in short, they had to have a wealth of construction and demolition knowledge. The generals of the British Army understood their worth. However, they didn't have to do all this most of the time, so when they weren't doing cool stuff like blowing up bridges, they carried out a lot of logistical tasks, like hauling and delivering supplies. Mostly this is how they occupied their time in between explosions. This is what Wellesley means by "fetch and carry". Earlier in the episode, when Sharpe is introduced to Simmerson, Hogan is present, and implies that Sharpe is particularly suited to "certain exigencies" of engineering. Simmerson (as usual) doesn't catch Hogan's actual drift, and just smiles all smugly and says, "Fetch and carry, eh?" This shows that Simmerson understands engineers only in their logistical role that he sees on a daily basis. To him, they don't do any real soldiering, they're just errand boys for the men that do. (Of course, it also shows that Simmerson, in his eternal snobbery, doesn't actually know the first thing about being a military officer - a point that is hammered home pretty much every time he opens his trap.)

[@Sigma0283]

I really like how Wellesley keeps a calm manner for the first few minutes of Simmerson's report until he gives Major Hogans report contradicting Simmerson's report and slowly reveals his displeasure. It's not until he mentions the loss of the Kings Colours that he drops the facade entirely and revealing he already knew what really happened and you see exactly how furious he is at Simmerson's incompetence and cowardice. Never lie to a Field Marshal, they tend to know a whole lot more than they let on.

[@JnEricsonx]

Also, placing blame on a dead friend OF Wellsely probably not a good idea either.

[@childfreechurch4854]

Douglas Haig was a field marshal. He was likely the stupidest general in history. He never came closer than 30 miles to the fighting and slaughtered 250 thousand British soldiers in a single battle. Right up until the day he died he never accepted that horse soldiers were obsolete. He swore up and down that tanks were a passing fad and would soon be replaced by horses. Wellington was quite possibly the ONLY intelligent field marshal in British history.

[@S_Evenwar]

In a situation like this you are usually being asked questions where the answers are already known.

[@Sigma0283]

@@S_Evenwar Yeah, Wellesley was giving Simmerson the chance to come clean. Obviously that option went out the window the second he picked of Major Hogans report.

[@neilholmes8200]

@@childfreechurch4854 in fairness Marlborough almost certainly would have been one if the rank has existed before he died. That guy was a freaking genius. Slim was pretty good as well

[@NickJohnCoop]

That cold stare from Wellington looks like it could have frozen the sun.

[@gunslinger626]

Wellington's look of disapproval could make a train take a dirt road.

[@JnEricsonx]

Well, he is the son of a Doctor.

[@robertnett9793]

It notably got 3 degrees cooler that day, legend has it.

[@ConstantineJoseph]

With that kind of a stare, it is one of rage

[@Southern_Crusader]

This is superb acting. Actually I think he is channeling his own pride as an Englishman into the sheer disgust and rage into this. This whole cast was fantastic!

[@Captain11890]

Achievement Get: King’s Friendship Lost, Captaincy Gained.

[@carausias]

Wellington was Irish

[@Southern_Crusader]

@@carausias Then his own pride as a man!

[@jimtaylor294]

Time was that being Irish & having pride in oneself as a Brit', were one and the same. In part of Ireland today though, it still is.

[@_dude..]

@@carausias the family moved to Ireland from England. Then moved back again.

[@jwo4life710]

That "good morning" at the end is the most polite "get the **** out of my face" I have ever heard.

[@CMage101]

I love that look Wellington gives Sir Henry: "Did YOU just try to THREATEN ME, you miserable little crapstain?!"

[@allisonkuechlesilva3332]

"So does that mean that a man who gains the King's Colours gains the King's friendship?" "Yes. The French officer who siezed them is having tea with his Majesty this Thursday. Everybody at court is quite cross about it!"

[@develynseether4426]

Not half wrong really considering when Sharpe took the French Eagle he gained the interest of the Prince Regent.

[@SudrianTales]

@@develynseether4426 considering it was the first Eagle seized, I think it was more of that

[@paulobrien7126]

No It was a total embarrassing thing for the leader of the army to lose the colours

[@68jroche]

Very good, made me LOL!😂

[@Southern_Crusader]

This gave me a right good chuckle old chap!

[@OptimusWombat]

Losing the King's colours. Now that's definitely _not_ soldiering.

[@darkclawgreatonenas]

he didnt lose the Colours...Simerson gave em away to the French...however, Simerson was also sneaky enough to get away with his life mostly intact...

[@Britonbear]

@@darkclawgreatonenas That's quite realistic.

[@waxerwaer9700]

Captain Leroy probably went the whole scene thinking, 'Damn if only Simerson was this bold when facing the french.'

[@user.--.]

A man who steadies the line at Assaye, wouldn't have ever panicked...

[@mizjohs]

And his death is one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the entire series.

[@richardmeade2477]

Wait he's still banging them out? Amazing I'm only up to book 18.

[@rickyred001]

Dave Troughton and Michael Cochrane were nothing short of superb in this show

[@bryanbelshaw7725]

Don't forget the unforgettable Pete Postlethwaite.

[@rickyred001]

@@bryanbelshaw7725 of course, absolute legend

[@68jroche]

agreed. Michael cochrane rarely gets to play a non-baddie, but is always worth a watch. I think there was a drama about Dad's Army and he played Arnold Ridley (Pte. Godfrey).

[@rickyred001]

@@68jroche absolutely, and don't forget that sit com he was in with Paul Kaye, Perfect World !

[@youngsteph1]

@@68jroche He did early in his career. Look out Wings about WW1 flyboys if you can. He was the posh friendly pilot to Tim Woodwards lowly class pilot. Great series. Guy playing Wellington was a friendly officer in it as well.

[@generaladvance5812]

The guy who plays Wellington is so good. As a kid I was intimidated, and I was just watching.

[@Nehfarius]

Now imagine how Simmerson must've felt being at ground zero. :p

[@morbius109]

Wellington is portrayed here by David Troughton, the son of Patrick Troughton, who is best remembered now as the Second Doctor in the Doctor Who series.

[@sabriam]

0:17 Wellington's ever so subtle pause when Simmerson disparages Lennox. He almost blew a gasket right then and there.

[@yzer9975]

This is the scene that made me want to watch more of this series.

[@vwphile]

same. I don't think I slept that night wut wif all that soldiering

[@classicsmajor9699]

When Wellington says Hogan's coat "buttons up tight" I initially thought he was calling him fat.

[@johnmurphy7250]

That just means he has other duties like running Intel,spies and the like

[@SantomPh]

Hogan IS fat, but also hides numerous duties under that fat belly.

[@michaelmclachlan1650]

@@johnmurphy7250 Exactly, and that such duties are well concealed by his apparent responsibilities.

[@mrmofo36]

cant he mean both? clever wordplay

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

This is the best scene in the series, the level of actors, Wellington is done perfectly to the books, Hogan too. 4:00 a young Daniel Craig the current James Bond.

[@mysticdragonwolf89]

I didn’t realize that was Diane Craig

[@rhysbevan429]

Ah good, a comment on my suspicions, thank you.

[@Bayou_Russ]

When he said “Leave Sharpe to me sir” I was like Ahaaa!! 👍🏻

[@markgundle4150]

I know, right? I wager it'd be harder to find an actor in Britain that DIDN'T have a role somewhere on Sharpe than did, even today.

[@TheJoshuamooney]

“If I can wipe the name, I MAY wipe the shame.” I use this quote whenever possible. And sometimes when impossible. It matters not. The message is quite clear.

[@95thRiflesOCI]

"The fault was not mine sir! Major Lennox mixed up the recycling!" "Major Lennox went through and pulled out all the cardboard! As you should have done if you had any sense of honour! You've set our bin collection back by another two weeks! You've disgraced us Sir! You've shamed us sir! You will answer!"

[@krismakardikan9823]

^shaking my head^ Where I work, the recycling bin is at our other shop across the street, and the cardboard has to get hauled there on the truck "I'm not paying for no recycling bin here! Where we gonna put it anyway? There's no room in the yard for it", is what the boss said. Somehow he found a new spot for the dumpster and the scrap metal bin when they enlarged the warehouse. They don't have a scrap metal bin at the other location down the street, so I back haul the scrap metal back to the other shop after dropping off the cardboard recycling. And around and around we go,back and forth, driving in circles, wasting labour hours on work that shouldn't need to be done...and nobody ever answers or is called to account for the shame and the disgrace. I swear the company has a wastage allocation as a fixed expense in the budget, and that's where the golf course membership fees come out of.

[@Argumemnon]

...what?

[@darinhassett4708]

When i was in Iraq in 2003-2004 i was sent a package from Bernard Cornwell in it was a christmas short book that he had penned to a Real soldier god bless and merry Christmas still have it

[@thehellyousay]

ah, yes, iraq, that massive threat to global oil profits, yes ... that you feel pride in being part of such a crime is disgusting.

[@Bluemortal001]

@@thehellyousay wait- who are you? what have YOU done for honor and country? YOU personally.... ill wait.

[@Mcc4shizy]

"I have friends at court" *Janos Slynt takes notes....

[@Rembanspellsong]

I love how the guy behind Simmerson, as soon as Simmerson steps forward after being dressed down, looks at him like 'What are you doing?' and then when Simmerson goes on to threaten their commander who is much better connected them Simmerson, he looks to the floor like 'could you swallow me, please? it would be less embarrassing'

[@Argumemnon]

When he mentions his cousin, Leroy almost closes his eyes, probably thinking "Man, shut up! Why do I have to be here for this?"

[@Jams848484]

For someone with no lines, he was very busy in this scene.

[@ottokarl5427]

It pays to watch Leroys face for the entire scene. At some point he looks at Hogen like "dude...why are you trying to sell this story, there is someone standing right there who knows what happened..."

[@jadefire2817]

This was such a wonderful series! The actor playing Simmerson *really* makes you hate him. I mean, in what world did he think that Lieutenant Givens was going to be gazetted Captain after that debacle?? 😂

[@user.--.]

*Gibbons

[@jadefire2817]

@richtea78 Sure was. Looking all of 12 or 14 years old , lol!

[@KevinBradach]

@richtea78 No, Daniel Craig played Berry.

[@barrybernstein9049]

No !! Gibbens is going to become 007 !!

[@willdobson7351]

'leave Sharpe to me, sir." as James Bond exits M's office.

[@michaelreifenstein2114]

In this case 007 bested by 006.

[@smartalec2001]

For England, James?

[@MinusTheRogue]

Oh man, it really was Daniel Craig alot younger ofcourse.

[@aarondesch]

@@smartalec2001 For Me.

[@thehellyousay]

his only failure, so they say ...

[@andrewames247]

This was the first scene of "Sharpe" I discovered; I then proceeded to watch the entire series. I always loved seeing foppish, unqualified, egotistical fools get their just desserts!

[@Zoras88]

Oh you too?

[@pacemaker9483]

​@@Zoras88 I can't recall if this was the first scene but it was certainly one of the first

[@stevenroetzel4470]

Also inspired me to listen to all the Sharpe Audio books and short stories.

[@schizoidboy]

My favorite scene is where Simmerson gets taken out by the Irish priest who is Wellington's spy.

[@malbourne805]

Same here. I stumbled across this scene by accident, and as a fan of these kinds of historic films I ended up finding the entire series here on KZbin. Enjoyed every single moment of every single episode. It took me a while to identify the middle soldier near the end of this scene as a very young Daniel Craig.

[@voiceofreason9238]

After many viewings this might be my favorite video. Brilliant dialog, brilliant acting, the emotions were 100% believable. I felt like I was shaking standing right beside Simmerson as he was being dressed down by Lord Wellington.

[@msullivan92]

This is the greatest scolding in film history

[@themagpie_1]

My late father loved this show, he loved anything with Sean Bean. i never got into it tbh, but now nearing 50 and an ex soldier myself, i have a new found admiration for this show..

[@pilgrim42]

Reminder: A new Sharpe book comes out in the U.S. in a few weeks called "Sharpe's Assassin". It may already be out in the U.K.

[@DRWHO-UNIT-COSPLAY]

It's an good one finished it soon after I picked up the audio book

[@CSSVirginia]

That's what I'm getting my dad for Christmas.

[@AtheAetheling]

I confess I didn't think too much of it. It felt sort of unfocused. But I hope that others enjoy it.

[@MihoshiK]

The sheer ANGER boiling off Wellington as he tells Sir Henry that tommorrow Sir Henry will either die honorably or mark himself a coward is amazing.

[@woodrobin]

Sir Henry not being able to keep his anger in check until he gets out of earshot of Sharpe's men is just another example of why he always loses: no real spine or self-control. Arrogant when he thinks he's winning, panicky when he thinks he's at risk. Just the perfect example of a piss-poor man and a terrible officer.

[@SportsSpeak73]

Exactly. He comes through the door, stares down Sharpes right hand man & then proceeds to take three steps & with zero volume control whatsoever essentially demand that they take Sharpe out. The sheer stupidity

[@jonathandeeb2587]

@@SportsSpeak73 And Seargent Major Harper was staring at Simmerson's backside while Simmerson was making his demands of his sycophants. Harper knew what was going to happen to Sharpe.

[@ottokarl5427]

Probably, in his mind, it was just impossible that ome mere soldiers would say something. For him, they are all dirt and the thought that they actually have their own opinions or might even talk to an officer was just beyond his imagination

[@xenofurmi]

This is one of my favorite scenes of all time.

[@RedneckSith]

That slight pause in his writing when Simmerson tells him Lennox panicked. Something very easy to miss, most watching the scene for the first time probably didn't even see it. Yet when you do, it gives a real sense of just how much Wellesley was restraining himself from going off on Simmerson right then and there.

[@eurosalamander]

Simmerson: "The Nobles like me, sir." Wellington: "...The King does *not*, sir." Simmerson: "... Yes sir."

[@m1994a3jagnew]

"Major Lennox must answer!" Gettysburg crossover THERE IS NO TIME FOR THAT. I HAVE TOLD YOU THERE IS NO TIME.

[@mattk6707]

I've watched this scene more times than I care to disclose. The acting/story-telling is superb. Even background actors show what is going on. Capt. Leroy looks to Hogan regarding Sharpe... knowing that what Simmerson is saying is BS. Every time I watch I find something new. Just excellent acting and story telling.

[@angiki9988]

Re-uploading the same iconic scene under a different name to give us all another reason to watch it? Now that's soldiering.

[@carlwitt3934]

I have no idea what I just watched, not do I understand why it was recommended by the algorithm. All I do know, is I want more!!!!

[@robertnett9793]

It's so many details in acting and tone, so mane hints and clues - but the mimic of Leeroy is just gold. His 'Oh god, I don't wanna be here'-look, all the time, the 'what are you doing you damn fool', when Simmerson starts to still insist on his nephew (I think) for Captain, when he blames Lennox, when he starts to 'threaten' Wellington with the horse guards... You could read the whole scene unfold just from watching Leeroys face. And that's just so great :D

[@johng1634]

Simmerson is one of the great villains: utterly loathsome! The look on Wellington's face at 3:11 when Simmerson, having disgraced himself then lied about it, attempts to threaten him is brilliant 👏

[@sparkmaker9638]

I don’t think Wellington actually wanted Simmerson to have a good morning

[@GhostDrummer]

“Good Morning.” That was cold!!! Well, I’ve been binging on all the clips, and I keep finding my way back to this one. Of all the clips I’ve watched the past three days, this one is my favorite. I’m back…almost 11 months later. I’ve watched this clip over 100 times. It’s so amazing.

[@timtheskeptic1147]

Sharpe's Eagle was the first in the series I read (used book stores rarely have full collections or the same editions so chronological order was never an option). Sharpe proved to be an excellent training kit on how to recognize bad and practice good leadership when I was in the military.

[@68jroche]

I had seen the Star studded film 'Royal Flash', but likewise my first Flashman book was a few into the series. I reccommend them, because they are mostly historically interesting too. Lots of infamous and famous people appear, including Wellington, Lincoln and Bismarck.

[@jameswg13]

Sharpest Eagle was the first book in the series Cornwell wrote Hence the discrepancies in Sharpes appearance

[@timtheskeptic1147]

@@jameswg13 It was a relatively new edition (c 1999 or 2000) which had the chronology in it so at first I thought I was starting off late.

[@jameswg13]

@@timtheskeptic1147 this new additions though in his introduction states how it was his first one and he has never gone back to it

[@timtheskeptic1147]

@@jameswg13 I just spent the last hour going through my closet trying to find my copy of Eagle. All I've found so far was the end cap for my bow stringer and some empties. If I find the book, well, that would actually prove nothing since I can't post pictures and it's a matter of no consequence anyways.

[@OneofInfinity.]

I'll never get enough of this scene, great performances of all involved.

[@Zombiewithabowtie]

As soon as he leaves Wellington's office, Simmerson is so insulated from reality, from accepting responsibility for his own actions, from recognising his own shortcomings, that he immediately decides that Sharpe is the deliberate engineer of his downfall.

[@austinseven4720]

Sharpe's actions showed him up which was bad enough for his pride. But Simmerson was also one of those who believed officers should be of noble birth. Sharpe was a commoner promoted from the ranks and that would really have rubbed salt in his ego's wounds.

[@AndysEastCoastAdventures]

He has a thing against Sharpe the whole series, gets his comeuppance in the end though.

[@Innawoods7614]

Best scene of the whole series.

[@gfh110]

I'm about 3/4 of the way through the series and I'd say this statement is true.

[@F4GRAPHICS]

So iconic. Brilliant scene. I can never decide which Wellington I preffered. David Troughton's portrayal was perhaps a more intense, more forbidding role, whilst Hugh Fraser's was a slightly more cool-headed version of Wellesley. Both were brilliant, but I have to say no one could've performed this scene better than Troughton. I feel like I'm stood right there getting a bollocking just watching it.

[@michaelj132]

One of the finest scenes in the series. Great performances all round.

[@kaiserjoe2316]

I liked David Troughton as Wellington (bad nose make-up aside). He carried well the early "hunted/haunted" Wellington look. I think that Hugh Fraser may have come off better later in the series in those more personal moments. Early Wellington is not something to be trifled with though. THAT dressing down? Bloody Marvelous. Just spent a bloody boring end of season work shift. Nope I lied. I read Sharpe's Assassin. Guess that's why I kinda gravitated here. Cheers Ya Bastards!

[@christophernewman5027]

Now that's soldiering...

[@TheJoshuamooney]

“I have a cousin at Horse Guards, sir. And I have friends at court!” How many times have I said this just before a Pittsburgh bar fight went wrong.

[@shanewilson199]

Simmerson knows how to fully utilize alliteration. That’s got to count for something

[@DandySlayer13]

This scene alone has made me want to watch this series!

[@FeyTheBin]

4:11 And that is how Harper knew to keep an eye on Sharpe.

[@danielhaire6677]

Simmerson forgot the first rule of behavior around an NCO - Always assume that they hear everything!!

[@razor6888]

Captain LeRoy in the background did a great job. His eye movements etc... great acting. This was a great series.

[@TheNynjspider]

You have two choices. To hide in England or be a hero in Spain

[@daveduffy1755]

Sharpe is one of my all time TV hero's I am always amazed how he and his sergeant and his motley crew get in and out of trouble

[@oneanotherstudios]

Simmerson was such a great villain character, and portrayed to perfection by the actor.

[@Henry-vu5sg]

The acting display from Wellington is without peer. Magnificent!

[@aslanhicks3045]

This is genuinely such a good scene!! Fantastic acting

[@irreduciblerascal]

You got to admit, the acting is just sublime!

[@diegoviniciomejiaquesada4754]

I remember I saw the whole damn series because this single scene. Totally worth it.

[@skalgrimfellaxe5796]

I have never seen, nor heard of this Sharpe (Show? Person?) The YT algorithm seems to have shown me something of a gem. I found myself watching the entire clip and now I have to learn more.

[@scaramouche853]

I hope you do learn more. All the books by Bernard Cornwell (and there are a lot of them) are all available in audiobook format. I have them all and they are fabulous. They tell of many battles and adventures in Sharpe’s career that never made it onto the screen. The books were not written in chronological order..in fact Cornwell went out of his way not to do so. One book could be set in 1805, the next in 1812 and the next in 1809, which could be confusing, but there are plenty of lists out there to give you a full reading order so you can follow Sharpe’s chronological career from 1799-1820. The films of course are a treat, it’s the role Sean Bean was born to play. I hope you enjoy your Sharpe journey.

[@benjaminpavsner6626]

Wellington's stare is classic. "Are you f'n KIDDING ME" type of look.

[@alexsummers9140]

I watched several of these after seeing this scene on KZbin. Very well written and acted!

[@aidanmagill6769]

The slight pause in writing from Wellington when Simmerson says "Major Lennox panicked".

[@legiran9564]

Yes. His pressure cooker was ready to explode.

[@Wurzelknecht]

Never watched Sharpe, but I might after watching this scene. But now I have to imagine the same scene with Stephen Fry as Wellington.

[@HistoryBuff1973]

If I wipe the name it may wipe the shame... Powerful.

[@mycroft983]

Five exceptional Actors who portrayed a Dramatic scene with their expression and body language which is so lacking in Films and Plays today. Top Quality on show. Early sighting of James Bond!

[@cesaralarcon5228]

Simply sublime acting and an amazing scene, and above all, how to slap a pretentious officer while also maintaining class, “Now that’s Soldiering”

[@kroon275]

I have only ever watched clips of Sharpe but it is plain to see that it is one of the greatest shows ever aired on UK tv, and without a doubt Beans finest work 👌👌

[@sjhhej]

"I shall help you to be a hero..." A death sentence.

[@itschopsmf]

Good god when Ol Nosey raises up and lays into Simmerson even Leroy's mustache is trying to leave...

[@Southern_Crusader]

Achievement Earned: *Shut Purse*

[@SMAXZO]

Achievement Earned: *MAJOR LENNOX ANSWERED WITH HIS LIFE!*

[@CubeInspector]

This shows up every month or so. I always click. My favorite line in the whole series "Major Hogan's coat buttons up over a number of duties, sahr"

[@CubeInspector]

Here I am, 1 month later 😂

[@glenchapman3899]

I have always wanted to find a way to work that into a general conversation lol

[@tailgunner2]

Swap "King's Color's" with "Queen's Knickers" for the perfect Monty Python sketch!😆

[@michaeleaton5297]

I watch this over and over. In it I find pretty much the values of the world around me. Also the gog eyed officer to Simmons right is hilarious.

[@michaeleaton5297]

Bug for gog

[@philipdawes2661]

Fantastic scene, David Troughton was a superb Wellington. With a few more quid to spend, this could have been an epic series (more scale for the battle scenes, either real or CGI) even more than it was.

[@wellingtonsboots4074]

This just has to be my favourite clip

[@higgydufrane]

This is simply an AMAZING scene. I am so glad I could witness it.

[@tyhodges6641]

Great talent. Great storytelling. EXCELLENCE!

[@GodlessScummer]

When Wellington goes beast mode.